The Kia midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV) EV9 has received high praise in comparative evaluations conducted by prominent European automotive media against competing luxury brand vehicles.
According to Kia on the 18th, German Auto Bild recently compared the EV9 GT Line with the Volvo EX90 twin motor all-wheel drive model, describing the EV9 as "an innovative and practical electrified three-row SUV."
Auto Bild's measurement results noted that the EV9 has a lower maximum motor output than the EX90, but it boasts faster acceleration performance. The real-world efficiency of the EV9 was found to be about 20% higher, and the charging speed from 10% to 80% battery capacity was measured at 24 minutes, outperforming the EX90, which took 32 minutes.
Auto Bild also noted that while the EV9 is about 20 mm shorter than the EX90, it has a wheelbase that is 115 mm longer, giving it an advantage in the usability of the third-row cargo space. Furthermore, it has stable driving performance and is priced at over €20,000 (about 31.5 million won) cheaper, enhancing its overall product competitiveness.
Another German outlet, Auto Zeitung, selected the EV9 GT line as the top model in a comparative evaluation of large electric SUVs among luxury brands, including the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450 4MATIC and Audi Q8 e-tron 55 Quattro last April.
In the domestic market, the EQS SUV and Q8 e-tron evaluation models are sold at roughly twice and 1.5 times the price of the EV9 GT line, respectively.
The EV9 received high marks in three out of five evaluation categories: ▲body, ▲dynamic driving performance, and the "institutional sector" for sustainability and economy. Particularly in the body category, which assesses livability, trunk capacity, load weight, safety features, and quality, it received the highest scores in 8 out of 9 detailed items.
A Kia representative said, "The EV9 has proven its unique competitiveness by winning awards at major global ceremonies since its launch," and "We will continue to strengthen our position in the global market through continuous technological development and customer-centered innovations."